Professor Leonard Cheng, dean of the school, describes Ferguson’s new role as encompassing “the overall quality and financial efficiency of the MBA programs — full-time, part-time and off-campus — and the position will oversee the management of all other master’s programs, in particular academic standards, assurance of learning, career services and program development strategies. In addition, he will oversee the school’s alumni development and corporate relations to raise the visibility of the school and the master’s programs.”

Bill Glick, dean of the Jones School, said, “This is an excellent opportunity for Sean at a global top 10 MBA program. Although we will miss him, he’ll continue to represent the Rice MBA as an esteemed alumnus in his new position.”

In the last eight years, Ferguson has been a driving force in promoting operational excellence through the Rice MBA programs. He began his relationship with the Jones School as a student, graduating with his MBA in 2001, and then returning in 2005 as the director of the Rice MBA Full-time program. Ferguson was instrumental in the launch of the Rice MBA for Professionals program and was later promoted to the newly-created role of assistant dean of programs in 2007, working closely with students, staff and faculty throughout the past six years. In that time, student clubs have matured, student quality has improved to top 20 standards, and the value to alumni, employers and community has increased dramatically — particularly in terms of increases in salary post-MBA, salary increases while in the fully-employed programs, employment, and community outreach through our capstone projects. Ferguson was also integral to increased ratings from students as a 'best administered' program.

"I have truly appreciated the opportunity to help the Jones School continue to grow and excel as a premier business school,” Ferguson said. “It has been a very rewarding experience. Naturally, as an alumnus I am bullish on our future.”

Before moving to the higher education industry, Ferguson had a distinguished corporate career working at PROS, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young (CGE&Y), and Procter & Gamble (P&G). He received his B.S. in engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and MBA from Rice University.

The dean spoke for the entire Jones School community when he sent his “best wishes to Sean, Jolene, and their boys as they prepare for the transition to Hong Kong.” Ferguson’s last day will be June 26, 2013.